Classical Mythology

Medea Study Questions:

• Background and Images for the Medea
  
  
• How does Euripides characterize Medea in this play? Does she seem like a typical Greek woman? Is she a sympathetic figure? How might the audience have reacted to her? How does, or
  doesn't, Medea fit into Corinthian society? How does her position differ from Jason's?
  
  
• How does Euripides characterize Jason in this play? Does he seem like a typical Greek hero? What are his reasons for the new marriage? What are his attitudes toward Medea and his
  children? Is he a sympathetic figure? How might the audience have reacted to him?
  
  
• What are Medea's reasons for killing her children? Is this an easy choice for her? What are the factors that contribute to this decision? Why does she decide to kill Jason's bride as well? What do you make of the messenger speech? What sort of picture does it present of the young bride? What sort of picture does it present of Medea? How does the chorus react to this speech? Do their sympathies for Medea change? If so, at what point? How do you feel about Jason at the end of the play?
  Does he deserve the fate he receives? Finally, how is Medea
  presented at the end of the play? What kind of resolution is this?